Sites search in power scheme

The initiative is the brainchild of Halifax-based Water Power Enterprises a social enterprise that recently teamed up with High Peak Friends of the Earth to devise a scheme to generate enough electricity to power 140 homes from water spilling over a 200-year-old weir at the Torrs in New Mills.

FoE and Water Power Enter-prises will be using a modern version of the Archimedean screw, originally developed to lift water from a river or lake over its banks and into irrigation ditches serving fields.

The two organisations are seeking to raise 200,000 to fund the New Mills project and generate funds for local regeneration schemes. And Water Power Ent-erprises spokesman Steve walsh says the company is looking at a number of former industrial sites in Sheffield which could be ideal for similar projects.

One of the potential sites - the Niagara Weir - had to be taken off the list after June’s flooding damaged the crest of the weir, but Water Power Enterprises is investigating two sites in the Lower Don Valley and another close to Kelham Island.

First, though, comes the New Mills project, where construction could be underway as early as March next year.

Richard Body of High Peak Friends of the Earth said: “This region’s got an abundance of water power which can deliver pollution-free energy.

“By investing in the regeneration of these old hydro sites we can do our bit to tackle climate change and regenerate our communities at the same time.”

Water Power Enterprises and FoE has set up an Industrial and Provident Society for the Benefit of the Community called Torrs Hydro New Mills to raise money to fund the project.

Investors will be allowed to pump a minimum of 250 and a maximum of 20,000 into the project. Although they will receive some interest on their investment, the bulk of any income which Torrs Hydro New Mills receives will go towards maintaining the hydro scheme, paying off any debts and backing community regeneration and environmental sustainability initiatives in the New Mills area.

Further information from Steve Welsh at Water Power Enterprises, tel: 01422 355544 or e-mail: [email protected].